Youth Hostel Management

  New Zealand

• Wellington: 
Wellington

Term: Throughout the year 

Description: The YHA is much more than just a place to stay, it is about the spirit of travel - challenge your spirit, stretch your mind, choose your adventure.

YHA hostel facilities are the gateway to a cultural exploration of New Zealand and its natural environment, with the overriding philosophy 'Travel without a Trace' or in Maori 'Toitu te whenua - leave the land undisturbed'. A not-for-profit incorporated society, owned by the members, it is a pioneer in the backpacking industry worldwide. Its charter provides a framework from which the New Zealand organization strives to develop its hostels into Sustainable Living Centers (SLC) that help to minimize YHA's impact on the environment.

The SLC's also provide the opportunity for the traveler to gain knowledge and practical experience in conservation practices, that can be easily adopted in their own communities back home. The Organization's Environment Care Code encourages all travelers to play an active role in conserving the environment - 'leave all stones unturned'.

This internship at the Wellington City YHA provides the opportunity to be situated in the capital - the political and cultural hub of New Zealand. This dynamic city boasts fantastic cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries. You will also have the opportunity to take time out to travel during this internship in order to contribute to visitors' enquiries and possibly assisting in the YHA's travel booking service for those planning, reserving and ticketing transport, accommodation and activities.

Forget drab dormitory-style hostels, this is a vibrant modern hostel with private and shared accommodation (some with en suite facilities), a well-equipped kitchen, large comfortable lounges, even laundry facilities with a TV and harbor views!

An intern will be expected to 'roll up their sleeves' and to be involved in all aspects of the management of this hostel. All the staff are young (many from other countries) and, therefore, you are guaranteed a great time socially, while being part of a pioneering hostelling organization committed to environmental education and protection.

Highlights: Ahoy matey! If you have a love of boats, vast oceans, and salty breezes, we have the internship for you. The opportunity to share the high seas with Skipper Dan awaits. Skipper Dan, whose homeport is Wellington, is the master of a seventy-two foot launch that takes clients out for trips across Cook Strait; this is the stretch of water that separates the two islands of New Zealand. Your duties include serving as a deckhand on both half-day and several-day voyages. When there is fishing, you will help bait the hooks and assist clients in landing the catch (usually blue cod). The position demands a strong work ethic and people skills.

Qualifications: good health, adventurous spirit

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement: The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to select host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.

Year Founded: 1999